154 VERMINOUS DISEASES. 



SYMPTOMS OF LUMBRICOIDES. 



§ XCIV. The head of this worm terminates in 

 a cutting sharp poiut;(6l) it insinuates itself into 

 the raucous membrane of the intestines, causing 

 pungent and rending pains, of which those complain 

 who have these worms, particularly in the umbilical 



region. 



Colic, and a rumbling in the belly, are signs 

 peculiar to this kind of worms. Sometimes the 

 patients experience the same phenomena as those 

 occasioned by the application of leeches. 



^ XCV. This worm, according to observa- 

 tions already collected, makes itself a passage 

 through the walls of tlie intestines,(6^) and alone 

 produces the complaints above mentioned wherever 

 they are ;(63) these symptoms are more or less se- 

 vere, according to the greater or less irritability of 

 the aiFected part. 



§. XCVI. This worm possesses great sensi- 

 bility, which is very fortunate for the human ma- 

 chine ; air, and cold water, throw them into a state 

 of asphyxia, and the peristalic motion of the intes- 

 tines when quickened, or the use of a drastic purge, 

 is often sufficient to expel them from the body. For 

 this reason, when these worms have once descended 

 into the large intestines, they are easily evacuated. 



